Hope the people who use the new leisure centre will be prepared for the walk uphill into the town centre after all the exercise there.

There will certainly a big area of vacant space once Aldi moves out next months, so it's good to see Oldham Council making an early move to fill some of that space up. Just need someone/something to fill the gap from the former Sainsburys store that closed about 7 years ago.

if they build this on the aldi site that means theres gonna be 2 indentical "leisure centers" 10mins down the road from each other....the other center being the chadderton wellbeing center...

as another comment said..why not think bigger and use the old sainsburys land? have a full size swimming pool,diving pool....it could have a "events hall" for boxing & netball like the old sports center was capable of doing...irrc sky have broadcast 3 boxing shows and a northern thunder netball game from the old sports center in the past year?..

also whats gonna happen to the old sports center? im betting it gets turned into a car park!

I think you always seem to find lots of negative comments on any story on any newspaper website. Certainly fair to say us Brits do love a moan.

I know some people have complained saying the new site will be smaller than the old site but I imagine the new sports centre will probably be taller by building a multi-floor buidling.

I do like the idea of an events hall for hosting events like boxing and I also agree that the ex-Sainsburys site would be a better site, which would already a good number of car parking spaces. Aldi site could then be used as an overspill car park for the leisure centre/town centre.

i think the negative comments stem from the fact that "we've" had to cope with our council for far too long.....we've heard it all before....they have a habit of announcing plans so far out there that they'll never happen....or so underwhelming that people moan "is that it?"

i think the negative comments stem from the fact that "we've" had to cope with our council for far too long.....we've heard it all before....they have a habit of announcing plans so far out there that they'll never happen....or so underwhelming that people moan "is that it?"

The council only has limited ability to bring investment to the town. I'm not surprised investors don't find Oldham attractive, there is such a negative vibe from a vociferous minority.

Oldham Council have been in London seeking new investment and developers:

Quote:

Capital show

Oldham tells London: We're open for business

OLDHAMERS went to London yesterday to sell the town’s attractions to the city’s big developers and money men.

Political leaders and executive officers and private sector supporters were out in force at the National Theatre to sell Oldham to investors and decision makers who can make a difference to the town’s future.

Department of Culture Media and Sport Minister Hugh Robertson was joined by Sir Howard Bernstein, the chief executive of Manchester City Council, and Tim Newns, the chief executive of MIDAS, the region’s inward investment agency, as Oldham plc unashamedly put itself on the map.

Executive leader Councillor Jim McMahon, speaking in the shadow of the London Eye, said: “The people who were here today can help to make Oldham the place we all want it to be.

“They would not come to Oldham so we have to come to tell them that Oldham is open for business and that we are prepared to work with them to remove barriers.”

His message was echoed by Oldham council chief exective Charlie Parker, who added: “Sometimes there is a problem about perception and the north and today is all about challenging those perceptions about Oldham.

“We believe Oldham has a real story and offers a real opportunity and is a hidden gem.”

He added that the day was all about creating relationships “with people who want to come and work with us” and help us the realise the ambition the local authority has put into its “Invest in Oldham” programme.

Mr Parker pointed out the event was part of a series designed to work with institutions, investors and developers — people who, in the chief executive’s words “want to do something for Oldham”.

Defending the council’s decision to take the message to London, he said had spoken to an investor who had received the invitation to the Southbank event and took the trouble to visit Oldham to see the borough for himself before listening to what the civic leaders had to say.

“He was gobsmacked,” said Mr Parker, adding: “He genuinely didn’t realise how good an opportunity investing in Oldham actually is.”

Jeremy Broadbent, from Delph-based construction company the Johnson Group and a member of the Oldham business leadership group, said: “We can’t wait for people to come to Oldham; we have to get ourselves out there and attract them.”

OLDHAM Council leader Jim McMahon was glowing with pride after Oldham went to London to sell itself to big investors.

Expressing his pleasure at the turnout for the Oldham on the Map event, Councillor McMahon said: “There is always a fear that you are just a random North-West council coming to London to sell your wares and you wonder if that will enthuse people.

“Actually there has been a good turn out and a good cross-section of industry. We have had pension funds, investment companies, developers, agents, end users — a really good spread.

“Already conversations are taking place about how they can bring investment into Oldham.

“What I noticed most was how positive people were. People have come with an open mind and allowed themselves to be convinced.

“It’s nonsense for anyone to say we shouldn’t be here. If you are a developer or investor you have a choice of places to go. Would Oldham be on that list?

“Today is all about developing personal relationships, about people, about who we are making sure people believe we are firm to our word.

“The 60 people we had in the room today would not have got on a train and come to Oldham.

“A number of appointments have already been made. People are going to come to Oldham: at least two pension funds, investors, development companies and agents for users who want to take on space.

“We are talking about flagship developments. This about getting quality back into Oldham.

“We are talking to people who want to invest in that vision. Not those who want a quick buck.”

Trying to work out whether Oldham Chronicle meant 'plan' rather than 'plank':

Quote:

Our amazing Hotel Future

ONE of the main planks of Oldham’s London presentation at the South Bank was Hotel Future, the multi-million pound luxury hotel and conference project planned for land next to the Civic Centre.

Steven Miles, from the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association, spoke of the hotel and catering industry’s pride at having such a facility saying: “Finally the country’s fourth-largest employment sector has some joined-up thinking.

“We are all very excited and Oldham is going to get a first-class facility.”

He introduced Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and Tourism, who said: “This a huge plus for Oldham Council. Greater Manchester is certainly a happening place.”

His words were supported by Sir Howard Bernstein, the chief executive of Manchester City Council, who declared it was a “privilege” to be part of the event.

He added: “In the Manchester city region we understand our assets; we are no longer a one-trick pony, we are an essential driver of the economy.

“I am privileged to be here today because the leadership of Oldham Council is getting it absolutely right.”

“We have the capacity to create 75,000 new jobs in the next years. The challenges we face are not wholly social but economic.”

Summing up, Oldham council leader Councillor Jim McMahon said: “We are here to create a momentum for change. Oldham has a place in history but more than that we want to play a part in the future.

“Every council leader will say the same, but we are not about managing decline. You people in this room today can be the new founding fathers of the new Oldham.”

WHY WE BELIEVE
::Helen Wills, operations director at construction giant Balfour Beatty: “Today has opened people’s eyes to what Oldham can do.

“I am with a colleague based in the south and he cannot believe what is on offer in Oldham.

“Without an event of this kind he would never have looked at Oldham.”

::Oldham MP David Heyes: “We have struggled for so long to shake off a horrible image and at long last we can.

“There has been a really impressive turn out today of top people. They have the money to create prosperity and create jobs.”

:Tim Newns, chief executive of MIDAS, the inward investment agency: “People who haven’t done very much in Oldham are certainly very impressed by what they have heard.”

:arren Jones, Oldham Council’s investment officer, said: “Today has elevated Oldham into a different league in terms of profile and image.”

::Steven Barnes, development director at Langtree, who are working on the Royton redevelopment: “If they won’t come to you then you have to go to them. The impressions that people today have formed today of Oldham have been very positive.”

::Trevor Goode, a solicitor based in London: “Prior to today I had very little knowledge of Oldham. Today has been quite refreshing. I ask clients if they have considered investing in Oldham because they have a can-do authority.”

::Chris Jones, from investment consultants Christopher Dee: “I have been talking to Prudential and its fund managers have been extremely impressed in the direction Oldham is taking.”

PRESSURE from campaigners to save Oldham aquatics clubs has prompted council chiefs to rethink plans for the new Oldham Sports Centre.

The council is investigating the affordability of adding a diving pool and 50-metre swimming pool to the plan.

The current plan shows no diving pool and only a 25m pool.

Hundreds of divers, swimmers, young snorkellers and canoeists signed an online petition toask councillors to reconsider.

Council leader Jim McMahon announced he is committed to bringing a “flagship facility” and has listened to concerns.

He said the original plans were a starting point for the appointment of a contractor. Builder Wilmott Dixon was appointed by council bosses on Monday night.

Councillor McMahon said: “Now we need to finalise the design and confirm what facilities will be provided. It is vital that this is seen as a positive move and that we leave a legacy the town can be proud of.”

AMBITIOUS plans to transform the old town hall into a cinema and family entertainment venue have cleared the final planning hurdle.

The thumbs up was given as Oldham Council released new images of its vision for the Grade II listed building, showing how it will transform the town centre.

Its status meant the council — whose planning committee approved the scheme in mid-September — was required to seek Listed Building Consent — now granted by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government.

The plans were drawn up to capitalise on the venue’s town centre location and to sympathetically conserve as much of the existing building as possible.

Oldham Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon said: “This is excellent news and a crucial milestone in our plans for Oldham town centre.

“The decision shows we did our preparatory work well. It was absolutely vital that we consulted the public about our plans and also that we acted to preserve the building’s status by working closely with English Heritage.

“Oldham needs a cinema and family entertainment venue and we believe the old town hall site offers a fantastic opportunity to deliver that in a unique and historic setting.”

Apologies for putting it in here. Can't find the Oldham thread. If there is one?

Quote:

£1.65m Oldham Coliseum revamp completes

31 Oct 2012, 12:08

David McCourt

Oldham Coliseum has reopened after Warrington-based Globe Construction completed refurbishment work on the 125-year-old theatre.

The 35-week project included installing a modern heating and cooling system as well as seating, lighting, and decoration throughout the auditorium. The stalls and circle bars were updated.

Last weekend Oldham Coliseum re-lifted the curtain on the stage once graced by Charlie Chaplin to mark the theatre's 125th anniversary.

Kevin Hargreaves, director of Globe Construction, said: "The theatre dates back to 1885 and the refurbishment works will ensure that the Coliseum remains a leading producing theatre offering a varied programme of shows and educational activities for the local community."

Kevin Shaw, artistic director and chief executive of Oldham Coliseum, said: "Globe has been working flat out to make sure that everything is completed to the standard we expected. The theatre looks fantastic and it was great to see the brand new auditorium full again."

David Martin, executive director of Oldham Coliseum, says the Coliseum is now financially secure until 2015 after receiving grants from Oldham Council, which funded a large part of the refurbishment.

Globe Construction has recently completed the Vanbrugh Theatre at The King's School, Chester, as well as various developments for Bruntwood, St Modwen, Halton Borough Council and Manchester College of Law.

The reporter's name made me smile, that name with the forename abbreviated has always been a favourite.....

Quote:

Oldham bank building for sale

2 Nov 2010, 10:24
Michael Hunt
A former bank building in Oldham town centre is available at an asking price of £500,000.
Selling agents Scanlans Consultant Surveyors LLP said the Grade II-listed Victorian building has planning consent for leisure, office and residential use including the creation of two upper floors.
The 15,810 sq ft building, owned by Hillstone Developments, was previously a branch of the NatWest bank and is currently vacant. The ground floor comprises a former banking hall and offices.
Scanlans is anticipating an early sale of the building which overlooks Mumps roundabout in Oldham town centre. The building will be opposite the new Metrolink tram station being built as part of the new transport interchange at Mumps.
Phil Manson, an associate at Scanlans, said: "This landmark building stands at one of the main gateways into Oldham. The recent removal of Mumps railway bridge is giving a kick start to the rejuvenation of the Mumps area. We anticipate potential buyers of the bank building will want to refurbish it and redevelop it as a leisure opportunity or it may be suitable for a variety of other commercial uses."

Last edited by Fernando Partridge; November 6th, 2012 at 01:53 PM.
Reason: Must read the smallprint!

Plans for new heritage and arts centre for Oldham's West End revealed after £615k lottery funding boost

Oldham's West End dream to bring together the town's cultural 'jewels' is a step closer to reality.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) have granted an initial £615,000 towards the creation of a new Heritage and Arts centre to complement the existing Gallery Oldham and Lifelong Learning Centre.

These are the first artist impressions of what the new development – which would also include a relocated Coliseum Theatre – could look like.

The landmark project would see the new Heritage Centre housed in the former Oldham library and art gallery on Union Street. The grade II-listed building would be refurbished to become base for the local studies and archives and museum collections.

The new Coliseum would be sited on the adjacent car park on Southgate Street, with the theatre's front of house operations, education services and offices based in the heritage centre building.

The grant will support a later second-stage bid for £3.9m to complete the project and a separate application to the Arts Council is seeking money towards the relocation and re-build of the Coliseum.

Oldham leader Coun Jim McMahon said: "We’re delighted the HLF has confirmed this funding for a scheme that respects our heritage but also looks to the future.

"Heritage will be the foundation stone from which we rebuild Oldham and this is an important part of our plans which shows we are gaining real momentum.

"Street art and features will be part of that but an Oldham Heritage Centre – where we tell and celebrate the history of our borough – will be absolutely central.

"The wider regeneration scheme we’re planning here is inspiring because it will bring all our cultural jewels together in one integrated facility.

"That will significantly enhance our leisure, arts and heritage offer and provide yet another significant catalyst for wider regeneration of our town centre."

The news comes after Government bosses gave the £10m plans to create a cinema and restaurant complex in the old town hall the go-ahead and locals await trams to come through the town centre.

Coun McMahon said: "This is a perfect location on the Metrolink line for a development of its kind and offers huge potential benefits for local residents, businesses and visitors alike.

"When you put this alongside plans for the Old Town Hall to become a cinema with restaurants and cafes you can see Oldham council is deadly serious about providing facilities that attract a new kind of visitor here – and inspire a greater sense of pride in our town centre.

"After more than a year of hard work behind the scenes it is exciting to finally be able to go public with these plans."

Sara Hilton, head of HLF North West, added: "Oldham has a fascinating industrial past and these innovative plans for a heritage resource centre will help bring that story to a whole new audience.

"The HLF is pleased to be giving its initial support for the council’s project which has the potential to transform the town’s old library site into a centre for learning, leisure and social enterprise."

The Arts Council's decision on the Coliseum funding is expected in the new year but David Martin, the theatre's executive director, welcome this early investment.

He said: "We applaud the HLF on making the decision to fund the research phase of this major new project and we are delighted to be working with Oldham council to explore the exciting opportunities that would arise from this development.

"A combined Coliseum Theatre and Heritage Centre on Union Street would be a significant landmark for Oldham and Greater Manchester, putting the town firmly on the cultural map.

"This project will be developed and refined over the next few years and will ultimately give the town a superb resource that we can all be proud of.

"In the mean-time, the recent refurbishment of the Coliseum has ensured that we will continue to serve our loyal audience in a safe and comfortable environment, maintaining and developing the production of live theatre made in Oldham."

The Coliseum recently re-opened its doors after leaving it's Fairbottom Street home for the first time in its 127-year-history to accommodate £1.5m worth of refurbishments.

OLDHAM Coliseum is set to win a massive £9 million towards a grand new home.

With Oldham Council, the theatre has been given an initial £465,000 by Arts Council England to develop detailed architectural plans over the next 18 months — which will allow it to make a second-stage application for another £4.4million towards the project.

In November the Chronicle announced the theatre’s new venue would be based alongside a new Oldham Heritage Centre, which has already received £615,000 towards a total of £3.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The new development — next to the old library and alongside the new town centre Metrolink line on Union Street, would also house Oldham Theatre Workshop and anglo-asian company, Peshkar.

Coliseum executive director David Martin says he is confident the plans for a 600-seater theatre can be completed in time.

He said: “This is our chance to get some detailed drawings together, as well as a business plan that shows this new entity is not a lame dog and we mean business.

“We will be working through all the figures with a fine-tooth comb. We don’t want to be in a situation where we have a new building we can’t afford to run. We wouldn’t be allowed to do that with public money. It will be a lot of hard work but we can, and will, do it.”

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: “The theatre is hugely important to our community — a major cultural asset which also delivers hugely important educational work right across our borough.

“We must invest in our existing assets and a flourishing Coliseum is an essential part of our wider regeneration vision for our town centre.”

Building works will still be a decade away — which is why the recent £1.5 refurbishment of the current Fairbottom Street venue went ahead. Not to have spent the money would have meant closure of the theatre and likely loss of the major local asset

The refurbishment couldn’t enlarge the building to allow efficient use for the large amount of work the Coliseum company now undertakes.

Chief executive Kevin Shaw said refurbishment was essential regardless of whether they would eventually move out: “In the last 10 years there have been two other very serious bids to move the Coliseum to new locations, neither of which has come to fruition. We had to make a decision about Fairbottom Street to secure the company’s future,” he said.

Oldham Coliseum attracts about 100,000 visitors a year and its audiences bring the town around £17.5 million in overall spending.